“I am thrilled that MU has been accepted into the NAIA and the CCC,” Athletic Director Lois Vos said. “This historic time is directly related to the hard work each person has invested in MU to make it an athletic department that stands for excellence and for making it the best experience we can for the student athlete. We are truly blessed!” Vos has been serving at Multnomah for 26 years, and she said this is the most significant development during her tenure as athletic director.

The NAIA oversees sports programs at more than 260 small colleges and universities. The student athlete is the center of the NAIA experience, and the organization is dedicated to character development. Each year, more than 60,000 student-athletes in the NAIA compete in 13 sports and 23 national championships.

“The premier Christian education fostered at Multnomah, combined with the Champions of Character program developed and promoted by the NAIA, establishes a perfect environment in which Lion athletes can flourish,” said David Lee, MU’s cross country and track and field coach. “We are thrilled that the NAIA, with its caring-for-people history, has included us as a member. MU's coaching team is encouraged at this announcement and will be strengthened by joining ranks with some of America's finest coaches.” Lee coached in the NAIA and CCC for 13 years before joining MU.

The CCC has evolved into one of the NAIA’s most formidable leagues. It sanctions championship competition for men and women in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field, along with baseball for men and softball and volleyball for women.

“On behalf of CCC, we congratulate Multnomah University on their acceptance to the NAIA,” Commissioner Robert Cashell stated. “Director of Athletics Lois Vos and her staff worked tirelessly the last 10 months in preparation for this historic day for MU athletics. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with MU as we welcome our friends to the league as official members.”

“This is an extremely exciting time for Multnomah University,” said Curt Bickley, who coaches men’s basketball for the Lions. “Personally, I did not think I would ever see this day, but now that it is here, I am fired up about the potential and possibilities for our institution, and specifically for our basketball program.”

About Multnomah Athletics
Multnomah Athletics began in the 1950s with men’s basketball and expanded to include women's volleyball in the 1960s. In 2014, MU added six new programs (men’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s golf) and now features 10 teams with the recent addition of men’s and women’s track and field. Before joining the NAIA, Multnomah competed in the National Christian College Athletic Association.

About Multnomah UniversityMultnomah University is a fully accredited, private, non-denominational, Christian institution of higher education located in Portland, Oregon, with teaching sites in Reno, Nevada, and Seattle, Washington. Composed of a college, seminary, graduate school, degree completion program and online distance-learning program, Multnomah issues bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as professional certifications and endorsements. For more information, visit multnomah.edu.

This Saturday, February 15, Multnomah Athletics is hosting a special Athletics Alumni Day to celebrate all past and current MU athletes. This event is free, and everyone – alumni, students, staff and faculty – is invited and encouraged to bring friends, family, neighbors, youth groups and anyone else who will enjoy the day. Come prepared to dive into 12 hours packed with games, competition, camaraderie and lots of fun. Read the rest of this entry »